Driverless
Cars: A Hacking Risk?
Driverless cars have been causing
much excitement over recent years as technology improves. Google has already
shown off a prototype, and it has been testing its models in the United States.
This is a good thing because it will probably make driving safer, resulting in
fewer accidents. However, if cars are connected to an internet network, there
is a real risk that they could be hacked.
If cars become hacked, there are
fears that criminals could find out exactly where drivers are at any given
time, kidnap drivers and even take over cars and use them as weapons.
Even if driverless cars are some way
off becoming commonplace on our roads, many modern cars already include features
like anti-lock braking systems that are controlled by computers – and wherever
computers are involved, hacking becomes a potential risk.
Should you be worried about this?
Probably not. Such hacking would require a high level of skill, and it is not
the same risk as someone hacking into your car over the internet because the
criminals would have to get access to your car in the first place. As long as
you look after your car properly – and you trust your mechanic – there is
little to worry about.
Should
We Be Worried About Hacking?
Although car hacking sounds
alarming, the main problem at the moment is the same as it has always been:
keeping your car – and car keys – safe from thieves.
Most modern cars now come with car
key transponders, where keys have transponder chips built into them. These work
by ensuring the car can only be started when the key that contains the chip is
used, and this security feature makes it much more difficult to steal a car
without the key.
Expert vehicle locksmiths like AutoLocks have the skills necessary to
programme new keys, and this is may be required to help you get back into your
car if you lose your keys. However, this is not a skill that the average car
thief possesses.
Such technology provides increased
protection for car owners. However, it should still be remembered that as soon
as a criminal has your key, stealing your vehicle becomes a lot easier.
For
Now, Keep Your Car and Keys Safe
Fears about car hacking make
headlines, and perhaps in the future it will be a valid threat that we will
have to take very seriously indeed. However, until cars go online, the age-old
rules apply: lock your car and look after your keys.
The vast majority of cars are still
stolen using the owners' keys, so keep your keys safe and follow basic security
guidelines to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of car crime.
Taylor
Douglas is an automotive mechanic of many years. When he's not under the hood,
he's writing about ways to make car ownership easier. Look for his helpful
posts on many automotive and security sites on the web.
Image credits: flickr.com
